Wiley Dexter Smith

Wiley Dexter Smith, 73, passed away March 31, 2016 at North Kansas City Hospital. Arrangements are by MedCure followed by cremation. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn H. (Wiley) and Dexter M. Smith, his wife, Brenda K. (Zornes) and a daughter, Bonnie E. (Smith) Solomon. He is survived by a brother, Bradley Smith (Charlotte); a daughter, Cheryle L. Peterson (Joseph), and two sons, Bradley C. Smith of Historic Northeast Kansas City, and Blaine A. Smith of Phoenix, Arizona, and three grandchildren, Julian and Aleena Peterson, Jeremy Solomon and a great-grandchild, London Jean Solomon. Wiley was born on August 5, 1942 in Hampton, Iowa. He graduated from the University of Arizona, was in the Army Reserve and worked initially in the banking industry, followed by life insurance and estate planning for over 40 years. Wiley and Brenda made the move from Arizona to the Historic Northeast in 2006 to be closer to family. He joined Banker’s Life following his relocation to Kansas City and continued in the insurance industry until his retirement in 2013. Wiley enjoyed the performing arts, and was a very active volunteer at the Kauffman Performing Arts Center; he was recognized with over a 1000 hours of volunteer time in his first year of service. Wiley was a good brother, husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by family and friends. Both Brenda and Wiley donated their remains to science in the hope of furthering research and treatment in heart, lung and muscular related diseases.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of NorthCare Hospice for their expert care and Wiley’s son, Brad, for his tireless devotion and care during Wiley’s long illness and final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.